The sixth chapter of the book of Hebrews can be a real head-scratcher. It has also been the source of disagreement and discord between believers. So when we got to this point in our study, I wondered if anyone would notice if we skipped past it into chapter seven. However, the feeling passed and we all headed into these deep waters together with a great spirit of brotherly love and grace.
The main point of contention centers around this question: who is the person described in verses 4-8? Is he a believer or a nonbeliever, or is this maybe just a hypothetical question? I won't give away my feeling on this, you'll have to read the notes to find out. I have friends whom I respect very much with whom I disagree about this, and I intend to continue to be friends with them and continue to study and let the Lord help clarify my thinking. This is not an issue over which contentious argument would be worthwhile. However, answers to hard questions like these should be pursued vigorously. We mustn't let the possibility of extra thinking and studying discourage us from taking a text of scripture and squeezing it for every bit of truth that is there for us. Holy Scripture rewards those who diligently mine its depths.
One thing we can say with certainty is that this passage about one who can't be restored to salvation is not meant to be used as a template by which to measure each other and make judgments. The fact is that only God knows precisely to whom this passage applies. It is meant for us as a caution and as another reminder to not let our faith be idle, casual, or nominal. We must continue to be faithful through the empowerment of the Spirit. If we desire a relationship with Jesus, He is faithful to make us known as His children and seal us with the Holy Spirit for salvation. And we should continue to pray for any brother or sister who seems to have made shipwreck of their faith, knowing that God is faithful to redeem.
It is so encouraging that this chapter ends with this great promise of the assurance of our salvation:
Heb 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Heb 6:20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
God is so good to not just redeem His children and leave us to wait on Him in this world of sin, but to guarantee our salvation by His own mighty hand, anchoring our very souls to Heaven through the work of Jesus.
The study notes for the first part of the chapter are here. The study notes for the second part of the study are here.
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